236 BIRD FRIENDS 



cleaned out, but observations that have been made 

 of nesting-boxes seem to indicate that birds will 

 more readily occupy a box that has no nesting- 

 material in it. The construction of the nest is a part 

 of the cycle of activities that goes with the period 

 of reproduction, and doubtless it is best to give this 

 nest-building instinct free play. The roof of the 

 house can easily be fastened on by hinges and at- 

 tached in front by a clasp. 



Putting out the box. In putting out the box one 

 needs to consider the following matters: (1) the 

 time, (2) the location, (3) the height, (4) the method 

 of fastening, (5) protection from enemies. 



Time to put out. It is well to put the boxes out 

 early. For some weeks before the birds seem to be 

 ready to begin nesting, they are undoubtedly flying 

 about searching for a site, and the houses, if placed 

 out early, may induce some birds to stay of whose 

 presence we might not otherwise have had the least 

 intimation. By putting the houses out early, they 

 will also become more weather-beaten and lose 

 something of their new appearance. Some birds 

 rear two broods, as the wren and bluebird, in which 

 case the box may be occupied by the second brood, 

 even if it is not placed out till late in the season. 



In the case of the martin-house, if it is kept up all 

 the year, it is well to cover the holes till the mar- 

 tins return in the spring, so as to keep out the spar- 

 rows. And likewise with the other houses, when 



